ED closure is 'death by a thousand cuts

Stroke survivor's shock at local hospital's plans

-  LOUISE WALSH

A FIVE-TIME stroke survivor says she is "shocked and saddened" at reports that the HSE is closing the Emergency Department at her local hospital.

It's been reported that the HSE plans to downgrade the emergency service at Our Lady's Hospital in Navan to a medical assessment unit and local injury unit.

Up to 10,000 people hit the streets of the Co Meath town last October in a march against any closure of services at the facility, despite Health Minister Stephen Donnelly ordering a temporary reprieve to the facilities.

Jillian Ennis O'Boyle hopes that the public will take to the streets again in protest of the decision.